There are some names every punk fan should know.
Ramone. Strummer. Rotten. Weasel. Ben Weasel is a
punk rock fixture. More than that, he's become a punk
icon. Over two decades with Screeching Weasel and
the Riverdales, the author of two books (and a very
amusing blog), Ben Weasel has made a name for himself
that will not soom be forgotten.
"These Ones Are Bitter" is Weasel's second
solo album, and he's brought some friends along with
him that have their own claims to fame. Producer/guitarist
Mike Kennerty of All American Rejects, drummer Chris
Gaylor also of All American Rejects and Alakine Trio
bassist Dan Andreano interpret Weasel's pop gems.
One listen and one thing is certian - Ben Weasel is
not reiterating his past successes.
While not alienating fans, "These Ones Are Bitter"
is not a Screeching Weasel album. Opening track "Let
Freedom Ring" is a bittersweet tale of loss leading
to growth. Layers of guitars, slick production, an
epic key change and the resulting break give this
song a sound like a victory shout. "Addiction
by Subtraction" is another example of Weasel
stretching his wings. Musically, this is the territory
Ben has trodden many times in his pop punk career.
The arrangement is full in a way previous Weasel releases
have never been. Listen to the opening acoustic guitar
and you'll see what I mean.
The name of this album is fitting. These are bitter
songs. The ending lines of "Addition by Subtraction"
sums this up well as Weasel repeats "If I'm going
down, you're going with me". Despite bitter lyrics,
musically "These Ones Are Bitter" is pop
punk gold. "Only In November" blends lyrics
that reflect misery with undeniably catchy punk. "Sour
All Over" is another pop punk anthem that doesn't
let bitter, yet thought provoking, lyrics weigh it
down. They lyrics alone are ponderous, but Weasel's
ability to write infectious music makes the experience
a pleasure.
Released by Weasel's own Mendota Recording Co, a
download only label, "These Ones Are Bitter is
available from iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, and other
digital retailers. A limited edition vinyl version
of the album will be available later this year from
Edmond Records. "These Ones Are Bitter"
is the Ben Weasel album I've been waiting for. This
time Ben has pulled out all the stops and showed us
what he's capable of. The result is a fantastic album
that surpassed my expectations. If you're into Ramones
influenced punk, or just damn good music, grab "These
Ones Are Bitter".
Key Tracks :"The First Day of Spring",
"Only In November", "Let Freedom Ring"
Reviewed by Jim McDonald
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